Jeep celebrates 75 years with new and limited edition models

Jeep, arguably the company that pioneered the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment, will use the upcoming Geneva International Auto Show to showcase its 75-year history. The company will debut the new Cherokee Overland and the Grand Cherokee SRT Night, and limited edition anniversary models of its entire lineup as part its diamond anniversary celebrations.

Each of the 75th anniversary versions will include a color scheme unique to a particular model, an anniversary badge, bronze rims, bronze and orange exterior inserts, and exclusive interiors with seats sporting the anniversary logo. Those livery choices include jungle green for the Jeep Renegade, brilliant black for the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, and sarge green for the iconic Wrangler.

The anniversary editions also include specific engines for each model. The Renegade gets paired with a 1.4-liter engine, a 3.0-liter V-6 powers the Grand Cherokee, the Cherokee has 2-liter turbo diesel, and the Wrangler is fitted with a 3.6-liter V-6.

The new Cherokee Overland is described as the marque's new top-of-the-line version in the Cherokee model family. The addition of the same 2.2 liter turbo diesel featured in the anniversary Cherokee is the most significant upgrade. The Overland will be available in markets across Europe later this summer, but Jeep did not say how much it would cost or when it might be available in the US.

Jeep is also introducing the Renegade "Dawn of Justice" special edition model that plays on the vehicle's appearance in the upcoming Batman versus Superman movie. Again, most of the "special" in this edition is cosmetic, with a grey color scheme and blacked out accents. This model will be available at European dealers later this month.

The Grand Cherokee SRT Night is what the company is referring to as the "fastest and most powerful Jeep ever." The Night is a blacked out Grand Cherokee powered by a 6.4 liter V-8 that kicks out 468 horsepower (344 kW) and 460 ft. lbs (624 Nm) of torque. Performance includes 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration in less than 5 seconds, a quarter mile pace in the mid-13 second range, and a top speed of 160 mph (257km/h). The company has not yet released any availability date or pricing for the SRT Night.

Jeep is only making 8000 vehicles with the anniversary package for the Europe, Middle East and Africa market with availability by second quarter of this year. Similar models are already available for order in the US with prices starting about ten percent and higher over current suggested retail for the non-anniversary models. European buyers can probably expect about the same.

While the anniversary and new models will be the center of attention at Geneva, Jeep is also showcasing some of the historical models that reflect its roots. That includes a 1946 Willys Wagon, a 1963 Jeep Wagoneer, and the vehicle that started it all – the 1941 Willys-Overland MB.

Gizmag will be on the ground in Geneva this week to bring you further details.